2 year old keeps waking up at night

[VLR2006]

Hi,
My son has just turned two and up until about a month ago was the perfect sleeper.  he slept through 12 hrs a night from 12 weeks and would never falter unless he was really ill.  I have a new baby who is now 4months old so not sure if this has suddenly thrown him off a bit (he didnt really care when he first came home), or if its down to being a very strong willed terrible two.  But anyway, he has been waking at least once a night and screaming that he wants a little cuddle.  We had been going in and giving him a little cuddle and he would then go off to sleep straight away.  he is now screaming as soon as we leave the room for another little cuddle.  this doesnt stop now so we have resorted to just laying him down and saying its night time and we dont need more cuddles.  I feel he has gotten into a habit of waking now and is doing it every night.  he also has a little turtle he takes to bed to fall asleep and if he doesnt get the 2nd cuddle he throws turtle out and SCREAMS for his turtle, and then wants a little cuddle.

Are these kind of night wakings common in 2 year olds, and will he grow out of it if i keep making night wakings less desirable ?

Thanks, Louise

[mari]

Does he nap in the day?

What's his routine, wakeups, naptimes, bedtime?

[VLR2006]

he does nap in the day.  he is a very good routine and has been since he was about 3 months old.  he wakes up around 7:30 - 8am, goes to nursery from 8:45 to 11:45, has lunch and then in bed by 12:30 to 2:30.  Then in bed by 8pm at the latest.  he is very predictable and doesnt fight going to bed, he eats very well and is generally happy (apart from the usual terrible 2 tantrums).

He woke up again at 2am yelling that he wanted a little cuddle.  I just layed him down (didnt pick him up at all) and put my hand on his chest and told him it was sleepy time.  he went off straight away which is a result compared to the rest of the week.

Do you think he's getting too much sleep in the day ?  he gets exhausted from nursery though so i would be reluctant to wake him, but maybe its a bit much and i should get him up at 2:15 ?

Louise x

[mari]

2 hours is quite long for his age (In my opinion, not necessarily, all toddlers are different)
You could try to do a slightly shorter nap, reduce it by 15 minutes and pull bedtime forward by 15 minutes.  That way he won't be overtired when going to bed.  Worth a shot I'd say!

I must admit, I remember when Alex turned 2 her sleep went a little haywire and so did many other BWers 2 year olds, but that was bedtime, when she finally dropped off she was outers for the night.  They do have their little phases, but it's important to realise that this is when we start the bad habits. 
Ensure that when he wakes for you and asks for a cuddle, I think that you should give him a cuddle and reassure him that you are there if he needs you but he must sleep now.  Then leave the room, then do Walk in Walk out if necessary.

I hope that might help a little.  Good luck.

[Loujo]

Hi Louise!
Not only do we have the same name but I am wondering whether we have the same child too?!?!?
You have just written out exactly what my little boy (almost 2) has been doing for the last 2 weeks!!  It started off that he would call us for a tissue for his nose.  So I was crafty and left him a pile of tissues next to his pillow.  Now he is calling out for a cuddle - it seems to be at midnight every night!!  If he doesn't get it then blankie gets thrown and the floor and he starts crying and calling for blankie!!! Little tinker!!
SO... I don't know if this will help but this is what I have started doing - I walk into him but am really regimental about it, kiss on the cheek, tuck in, wipe nose, then leave with the door ajar.  He goes back off pretty quickly now - original Hubbie was climbing into bed with him 
Just need to eliminate the wakings and I don't know how to!! 
So am watching your post with interest!
Louise
xxx

[mari]

Louise 2, What's his routine.  Does he sleep during the day?  Why don't you start a new thread outlining your LO's nightwaking troubles and maybe someone could come up with something. It might get missed here.